Ramsey Schools Host ‘Shine Your Light’ Events for Community to Support Mental Health Awareness Month
Public encouraged to light candles and host virtual gatherings to reinforce a Stigma Free Zone
Ramsey Public School District, recognized as a mental health advocate, organized several activities in support of Mental Health Awareness Month. The first one on May 6 brought to life the monthlong theme of “Shine Your Light” by encouraging residents to use luminaria outside their homes that evening.
Other activities will continue through the month, including an effort to get people to sign a pledge of support and/or to host a conversation with friends.
For the past four years, Ramsey Superintendent Dr. Matthew Murphy has worked alongside other colleagues to end harmful stigmas related to mental illnesses and seeking resources for them; an initiative they refer to as their Stigma Free Zone. The cause is personal for Murphy, who is also the president of the West Bergen Board of Trustees.
“The mental health and wellbeing of our students and our entire community is among the top priorities we focus on every single day,” said Murphy. “With COVID-19 introducing new challenges for so many people, we all play a part in ensuring that our friends, relatives, neighbors and colleagues feel supported, not shamed, if they need a break or helping hand.”
In 2018 and 2019, the district hosted in-person “Walk and Talk a Thons” on the Ramsey High School track. Just like in 2020, this year’s circumstances required that the organizers raise awareness in a more virtual context.
The most visual component of this year’s program called for community members to light luminarias on their porches or walkways. Additionally, temporary social media profile pictures and printable window signs are available at the Stigma Free 2021 website, and interested individuals are encouraged to host virtual group conversations with friends.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the signs of support that will make Ramsey glow throughout May,” said Murphy. “Ramsey leads by example, and the pride and passion we all share for the cause is what makes it so successful.”
Shine Your Light is an all-inclusive community effort to end mental health stigma and share support and resources with the entire Ramsey community. To help keep Ramsey a Stigma Free Zone, members of the community can learn more at the Stigma Free 2021 website.
